Robert Dale Smith died peacefully on April 5, 2025, at the age of 77. Born in San Mateo, CA, on December 23, 1947, to Orville E. Smith and Bessie Tracy Smith, Robert spent most of his life in the SF Bay Area before retiring to Ashland, OR, in 2012.

After work as a plumber and planner, he became a librarian and educator. Robert held positions at the Alameda Naval Shipyard, St. Mary’s College (1987–1991), and Berkeley City College (1991–2006). 

His academic journey was a testament to his passion for learning, earning a BA from Sonoma State University in 1982, an MA in Library Sciences at UC Berkeley in 1987, and a MA in English Literature from SFSU in 1990. He also pursued graduate work in literature at Reno State University.

Robert was an avid kayaker, a lover of poetry and literature. He is survived by his beloved son Dale Smith, grandson Jagger, brother Dennis.